HOW TO SELL USED CLOTHING - From an Experienced Business

Selling second-hand clothing has been one of the most rewarding ventures we’ve experienced. Not only is it profitable, but it’s also sustainable, which is something we feel good about contributing to.

Since starting this journey, we’ve learned a lot, and we’d love to share some personal insights with you to help get you started. Whether you’re just decluttering your closet or thinking of launching a business, these steps will guide you based on what’s worked for us and what we've seen succeed.

Preworn has sold a world record number of used clothing items on the eBay Market place and more on its own web site with over 1.5M consumers buying on its web site.  It's an incredible milestone, and now, we want to pass on some of that experience to you. Here are our top tips for successfully selling used clothing online.

Start with Your Inventory

The first step is to figure out where your stock is coming from. Here are some sources we’ve personally used:

  • Your Own Closet: We began by going through our own wardrobes. You’ll be surprised how many good-quality items are sitting there unused.
  • Thrift Stores & Markets: We’ve spent countless weekends treasure-hunting in local thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets. You can find some absolute gems at bargain prices.
  • Wholesale: When you’re ready to expand, wholesale suppliers like Preworn Wholesale are perfect for larger-scale operations. You can even find niche suppliers that specialize in vintage or designer collections.

Ensure Your Items are Quality

We’ve learned that almost all second-hand clothes have some resale value. But a few things can really boost that value:

  • Condition: Make sure the items are clean and free from major damage. We always check for stains, tears, or odors – no one wants to buy something they can’t wear!
  • Trends and Brands: Keeping an eye on fashion trends helps, but don’t overthink it. Popular brands like Patagonia, Levi’s, or vintage designer labels will always sell well. But honestly, any brand can sell as long as the item looks great and is well presented.
  • Seasonality: One surprising thing we discovered is that seasonality doesn’t really affect the second-hand market. People buy clothing all year round, regardless of the season.

Clean and Prepare Your Stock

This is a step that can make or break your sale. From our experience:

  • Cleaning: It’s best to make sure the item is ready-to-wear. If something needs a little extra love, like a wash, be upfront about it in the condition notes.
  • Repairing: We’ve learned to fix minor things like loose buttons or tiny tears. It doesn’t take much time and can significantly increase the item’s appeal.
  • Presentation: Presentation is everything! We usually hang clothes for a few days to let creases fall out naturally. The stock from Preworn Wholesale, for example, usually arrives in great condition and doesn't need much work.

Choose the Right Platform

Where you sell is just as important as what you sell. Some platforms we’ve found success with are:

  • Online Marketplaces: eBay is a high traffic site, but platforms like Depop, Vinted, or Poshmark are great too. If you’re serious, consider setting up your own website or using a wholesale platform like Preworn Wholesale.
  • Social Media: Facebook Marketplace and Instagram are powerful tools. We’ve also joined specific groups dedicated to second-hand fashion.
  • Pop-up Shops: If you prefer face-to-face selling, pop-up shops or market stalls can be a fantastic way to meet your customers directly.

Creating High-Quality Listings

From our experience, this step is critical. The right listing can make all the difference:

  • Photos: Always take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Show labels, tags, and any unique features. The better the photos, the faster the item sells.
  • Descriptions: Be thorough and honest. If there’s a flaw, mention it. Buyers appreciate transparency and are more likely to trust you.
  • Pricing: We always check what similar items are selling for to stay competitive. Offering discounts for bundles or bulk purchases has also worked well for us.

Market Your Stock

Marketing is where you can really make an impact. We’ve used these techniques to boost sales:

  • Social Media: Posting regularly on Instagram or TikTok has driven so much traffic to our listings. Engaging with fashion communities is key.
  • SEO: Optimizing your listing titles with keywords has helped us stand out, especially on platforms like eBay.
  • Collaborations: Partnering with influencers or fashion bloggers has opened up new audiences for us. It’s worth reaching out to people in the fashion space.

Shipping and Returns

A good shipping and return process has made our customers come back again and again:

  • Packaging: We use eco-friendly packaging whenever possible. It aligns with our values and resonates with eco-conscious buyers.
  • Shipping Costs: Offering competitive shipping is a must. Some platforms calculate it for you, but flat-rate shipping has worked well for us too.
  • Returns: We’re always clear about our return policy. For second-hand items, “no returns” is standard, but good communication goes a long way to avoid any issues.

Stay Engaged with Your Customers

This is probably one of the most important tips. Building relationships with your customers has been a huge part of our success:

  • Responsive Communication: Answering questions quickly shows you care. This is something that can set you apart from other sellers.
  • Feedback: Encourage buyers to leave positive feedback. Good reviews build trust, which leads to more sales.

Scale Your Business

Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start scaling. Here’s what has helped us:

  • Expand Your Inventory: We’ve branched out into accessories, shoes, and even vintage homeware.
  • Wholesale Opportunities: Working with retailers who want to buy in bulk has been a great way to scale quickly.
  • Automate: Using inventory management tools has helped us stay organized as we’ve grown.

Final Thoughts

Selling second-hand clothing has been an exciting journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, following these steps will set you on the path to success. At Preworn, we’re always here to help you along the way.

If you need more detailed advice or help growing your Preworn Wholesale business, feel free to reach out. We’d love to support you. You can contact us anytime at support@preworn.co.uk.

Good luck, and happy selling!